Just keep going. You got nothing to lose.
People are so interesting. That sounds dumb, but bloody hell. Humans. The way we can be engaged on such a base level and open up in ways that both surprise and astound. These are just random people on the subway, answering questions honestly and off the cuff. Seriously, our ability to lower our shields in a flash to reveal our hearts to strangers and share loose-leaf thoughts – it’s one of the joys of existence. It blows to doors off my brain. Yay, humans. That’s all I have to say.
(And then there are the assholes. But shepherd them out the back door if you can.)
Via Ebert
QUICK UPDATE: By the way, I don’t find the subway to be that depressing. There are times when I look around and think ‘what a cheerless bunch’, but others when you laugh with a stranger or talk about a book they’re reading etc. I’m more talking about the responses of those he spoke to. I wonder how intelligent my own responses would sound if put on the spot like that.
To be surrounded by words
This is the kind of room I want to write in. To have all my books scattered about in an organized state of disorganization, a space on my desk to entrench myself in. It looks like peace to me.
It is, of course, a photograph of Roger Ebert in his office. If you have the time (and you WILL need time), read this excellent, moving, and inspiring piece about Mr Ebert from Esquire magazine. Roger Ebert: The Essential Man The photograph was lifted from his response to that article, but is from the Esquire shoot.
Ain’t no OCC.
shinya kimura @ chabott engineering from Henrik Hansen on Vimeo.
Gorgeous short film on custom motorcycle builder Shinya Kimura. Stirs up the heart, this custom built motor art. Love the cuts, the use of sound and space. Growling engines and wonderful lines. Made my day. Salivate, ruminate, then go about your business.
Desk
Desk – Music and Sound Design from Aaron Trinder Film:Motion:Music on Vimeo.
I just rearranged my work space at home and cleaned my desk of all extraneous toys. It took all of half-an-hour for it to become a mess of papers and breakfast dishes again. But the simple act of turning my back to the windows in my apartment enabled me to create a singular focus on my work for the day, forcing my attention to what was in front and giving me no ‘gaze off into the void’ opportunity. It was a very good move (though probably bad Feng Shui), and I really got lost in the zone for the entire day. I’ve always been a messy desker. I like being able to see all my scribbles and be surrounded by my brain. That said, I envy the stark beauty of some of the desks in this film.
Via Boing Boing
The Best Thing I Ever Done
The Best Thing I Ever Done HQ from MargaretEmily MacKenzie on Vimeo.
A word of warning: Don’t watch this on an empty stomach. People will argue about who makes the best NYC pizza, but no matter how you slice it, DeMarco is an artist. This short (16 minutes) portrait of the man behind the pizza at Di Fara is a feast for the eyes and, quite frankly, heart. It’s like bespoke pizza. 
And I WANT TO GO TO THERE!
“Chores. A reason to live.”
I love seeing John Waters interviewed. There’s just something so fascinating about him. He always seems so giddy with spirit and in love with life. Need to pick up Role Models – have a feeling tis a decadent read.
Via Austin Kleon
Mr Hopper: “I was a gallery bum”
You will be missed, but continue to inspire through your work and what you’ve left behind.
Up There
UP THERE from The Ritual Project on Vimeo.
I’ve sat and watched advertisements being painted here in NYC. It’s mesmerizing. Love seeing some of the people responsible for them.
Concept: Mother NY; Production Co: Mekanism; Director/DP/Editor: Malcolm Murray; Music by The Album Leaf; Painters: Colossal Media/Sky High Murals/Bob Middleton; Presented by Stella Artois
Via Agency Spy
Nirvana baby’s an artist
Nirvana Baby, Spencer Elden from Barry O Donnell on Vimeo.
He’s currently working at Obey under the bossage of Shepard Fairey. He’s 19. It really doesn’t seem like that long ago that I bought Nevermind. Man, I’m gettin’ old.
via Doobybrain
The world according to John
John Irving has long been one of my favorite writers. So many great books, thick and juicy with character and story and quirkiness. Really enjoyed this 36 minute talk with him on the Big Think, and somehow finding out he writes the first draft in longhand too makes me happy inside. Watch it all in one go, or in bite sized pieces.
David Lynch Interview Project
I was planning on doing something like this on an adventurous trip I’m planning for next year. But this is much better executed than anything I could ever wish for. Everyone has a story – you just have to know how to bubble it out of them. I love these little snippets of life, of person history and the journey. I’m a fan of life. And story. There’s a new episode every three days. Tune in and feast on the lives of your fellow humans.
From the David Lynch Interview Project blog:
Interview Project is a portrait of everyday Americans filmed during an extensive road trip throughout the United States. Beautifully shot and edited, Interview Project captures the ups and downs of the human experience through the meaningful accounts of these people.
While the premise of this project is simple – its scope and contents are expansive. Austin Lynch and Jason S. Interviewed 121 people on their 70-day, 20,000-mile road trip across the United States. The interviews, which ranged in length from one hour to two, were then edited down into succinct 3-5 minute portraits.
Via a David Lynch tweet
Kevin Smith – Writing and Filmmaking
Dude can talk. Super interesting to hear someone talk about their body of work and career. I must say, he’s a bit hung up on dying young. Regardless of whether you love or loathe his films, this interview is great stuff.
Part 1 – Selling out and Salty Language
Part 2 – Writing and Filmmaking (That’s it above)
Part 3 – Change, Death, Legacy
Part 4 – The Dark Side of the Internet
Part 5 – The Curse of Chasing Amy
Part 6 – Bright Side of the Internet
Part 7 – Talking to People He Wrote
Part 8 – Gretzky, Gratitude and God
Part 9 – Risking His Life and Starting a New One
Via Russell Davies
My flickr
